But Achilles immolated for Patroclus, all in even numbers, four horses and (I. xxiii. 175):—
Twelve noble sons he slew, the sons of Troy,—
and of nine dogs he casts two on the pyre, in order to leave for himself seven. And in many places he uses the ternary, quinary, and septenary number, especially the number nine (I. vii. 161):—
The old man spoke reproachfully; at his words
Uprose nine warriors.
And (O. xi. 311):—
At nine seasons old they were of breadth nine cubits, and
nine fathoms in height.
(I. i. 53):—
Nine days the heavenly Archer on the troops hurl'd his
dread shafts.
And (I. vi 174):—
Nine days he feasted him, nine oxen slew.